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Nigeria Joins Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe on LEAPS Programme for Effective Public Sector Leadership

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Nigeria Joins Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe on LEAPS Programme for Effective Public Sector Leadership

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government on Tuesday launched the Leadership Excellence in Africa’s Public Service (LEAPS) Programme, aimed at redefining public sector leadership.

With the launch, Nigeria thus joined Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and Zimbabwe on the LEAPS programme.

The programme which is anchored by African Capacity Building Foundation is a response to the demand for visionary, innovative, and ethical leadership in the public service on the continent.

Lauching the programme, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Lydia Jafiya stressed the importance of the programme, saying it is to encourage transformative leaders in the public service.

Jafiya, who was represented by the Deputy Director, International Development Fund, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Ibrahim Matazu, stressed that the public service remains the backbone of governance, tasked with delivering policies and services that uplift millions.

She said: “The LEAPS Programme, pioneered by the African Capacity Building Foundation, is more than a training initiative; it is a clarion call to redefine public sector leadership across our continent.

“In Nigeria, a nation central to Africa’s economic and demographic landscape, the demand for visionary, innovative, and ethical leaders has never been greater. Our public service is the backbone of governance, tasked with delivering policies and services that uplift millions.

“The LEAPS Programme is designed to empower directorate-level officers like you with the skills, mindset, and strategic acumen to navigate complex challenges and catalyze sustainable development.

“What sets LEAPS apart is its focus on fostering transformative leadership that goes beyond technical expertise.”

She noted that the programme draws from the success of its inaugural cohort, launched in Zimbabwe in November 2024, where LEAPS emphasizes competencies in leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation—qualities essential for addressing Nigeria’s unique priorities, from economic diversification to inclusive governance.

She added that: “This programme aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, equipping leaders to champion a prosperous and resilient Africa.”

She therefore urged selected participants from Nigeria to engage in dynamic learning, share best practices, and build networks that transcend borders, joining a pan-African movement of public servants committed to excellence.

She noted that: “The ACBF’s vision, as echoed by leaders like Hon. Adama Coulibaly of Côte d’Ivoire, is to create a public sector that is not only effective but also a catalyst for transformative change. Today, we take a bold step toward realizing that vision in Nigeria.

“I urge you to seize this opportunity to hone your leadership, challenge conventional approaches, and drive policies that deliver tangible results for our people.

“Together, we can build a public service that is responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking, ensuring Nigeria’s rightful place as a leader in Africa’s development.”

In his opening remarks, Senior Advisor to the Executive Secretary, for Strategy and Partnerships said LEAPS, Mr. Bakary Kone, is about investing in people, in potential, and in purpose-driven leadership.

Kone quoted a popular saying: “Nations do not rise because of their resources. They rise because of their leaders,” stating that the initiative is not just about launching a programme, but to invest in something far more powerful than policy or infrastructure—we are here to invest in people, in potential, and in purpose-driven leadership.”

He noted that “Our public finance managers already possess technical excellence. What they now need is the transformational power of leadership.

“LEAPS is about leadership that inspires, influences, and delivers.

“It is about equipping our most capable professionals with the soft skills—vision ownership, integrity, emotional intelligence, adaptability, ethical decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving—that turn good managers into great leaders.

“This programme is not a classroom. It is a launchpad. A catalyst. A movement.”

He stressed that the initiative is under the Enhancing Leadership and Governance in Public Financial Management in Africa, stating that: “When we launched ELG-PFM on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Nairobi last May, one powerful question emerged: “How will this program foster the kind of leadership Africa urgently needs—one that is resilient, ethical, and ready for the complexity of our times?

“Well, today—Nigeria delivers part of the answer.

“Since November 2024, LEAPS has taken root across five countries—Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and Zimbabwe—where 89 senior public officials completed a six-month transformation journey that concluded in June 2025.

“The feedback has been unanimous and inspiring: Leadership mindsets are shifting. Institutions are evolving. Impact is happening.

“And now, with great pride, we mark the official arrival of LEAPS in Nigeria—home to every one African out of 6, Africa’s economic engine, and a critical player in shaping the continent’s public sector future.”

He said that “Africa today stands at a crossroads. Our continent faces: Complex fiscal landscapes, unrelenting global economic pressures, and growing citizen demands for transparency, equity, and results.”

On his part, Senior Programme Officer, Gates Foundation, Mr. Adil Ababou, in his remarks, said “it is about ensuring that the public financial system can work better for the people, more efficiently, and avoid wastages. So this is really what this contributes to.

“That’s not the only programme we are doing in that space, but this is one that we think can put the ownership on the financial insurers and the government. We are hoping this really contributes.”

Nigeria Joins Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe on LEAPS Programme for Effective Public Sector Leadership

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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